Books for Your Brain: The Start of Thinking Great Thoughts

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Even during this digital age, books remain popular among people from all walks of life. It is simply because they retain their purpose—to educate while enhancing one’s comprehension skills. Who wouldn’t want to expand knowledge while having fun?

While reading any type of book is a good way to feed your hungry mind, you still have to be picky when it comes to the content of book. Don’t be blinded by an enticing title or a nice illustration on the cover.

Keys to a Healthier Brain

In choosing which books to read, will you go for a best-selling novel or the one authored by a controversial personality? Frankly, there’s no problem if you choose either of the two or both of them. It’s always up to you being the reader.

But if you want to further deepen your understanding and awareness about different things and topics, you might want to dwell on more helpful printed work.

Achieve a healthier brain by reading these types of book:

1. History

It’s always interesting to know what really happened in the past and how events unfolded that led to the current situation. Reading this type of book is very useful in such a way that it gives us a chance to look back at some notable characters who helped shape the civilization. Also, history gives us all the opportunity to learn from past mistakes and correct the present.

2. Science and Tech

The fact that the world has gone digital is enough reason to learn the most fascinating facts about the universe and the modern discoveries. This type of book lets us appreciate the efforts of humankind in an attempt to achieve progress.

3. Fiction

No, it isn’t all about false stories. Fiction works allow us to explore on someone’s innovative ideas and experience a “new reality.” This type raises the reader’s level of consciousness and widens imagination. As this book includes sorts of history and psychology, it makes the reader a good thinker.

4. Philosophy

No other type of written work can influence people’s daily life the way philosophy books do. As this one tackles a broad range of topics and concepts— from art to politics— readers are offered with basic teachings and views to learn the lessons in life.

[Note: The writer did not recommend certain titles of books intentionally to let readers choose the ones that interest them.]

Read these books during your leisure time and you’ll soon have great thoughts about anything and everything.

Let us know which books you really love to read. Leave your comment below.

Two Major Steps in Choosing a College Degree

When you think about your future, where do you see your growth coming from? Here’s a point to consider: successful persons would say that a good career rooted from the degree they take in college. 

So, a huge opportunity awaits you if you step-in the right course.

Deciding which course to take is a crucial one. Will you waste money, time, and effort for a wrong college degree? Of course, you won't. When it’s time to decide on what course to take, how would you do it?

If you are clueless of what major to take in college, then take these things as a guide:

Photo credit: seapublication.wordpress.com

 Evaluate Yourself

The old adage lives: go for things that you love to do. Choose a degree that goes with your interest. Look inward, and know yourself more. Reflect on your goals, likes, dislikes, and skills. It is important that your course compliments with your abilities, personality, and passion. It will be easy for you to take the curriculum and succeed.

Assessing yourself would mean asking your family and friends. Get their points. Also, ask yourself these questions:

-      What type of work do you enjoy?

-      What type of career you see yourself in?

-      Which subject you enjoy more?

-      Can you work with people or prefer to work alone?

-      Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

-      Can you communicate well with people?

-      Can you lead or just submit to orders?

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The Demand and Earning Potential of Your Interest

Yes, a degree may give you the diploma. On the other hand, does it guarantee a job or a high pay? Job outlook and wage rate have big roles to grow well and attain a bright future.

Mind technology. Tech industry has the highest demand, and it pays well. As an ongoing trend, it will give you a well-off life. For example, you love math. Then go for computer programming, software development, or information technology course.  If you love arts, then find a course that suits and improves your creativity. Aside from fine arts, you may take multimedia, graphic design, or other digital arts courses.

Choosing a college degree requires more time to reflect and set up goals. Have an open mind and be honest with yourself. For sure, you can pick the right degree that leads you to success. 

2015 Travel Guide: Top Unspoiled Beaches in the Philippines

Summer is now officially here and it’s the perfect time to take a break and travel with family and friends! And when we say summer, the best refuge will be the beach. Out of the 7,107 islands, here’s our list of spectacular unspoiled beaches in the Philippines:

Photo Credit: www.calaguasislands.com

1. Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

I still consider this island unspoiled due to lack of infrastructures near the beachfront. And when you choose this place as your refuge for some time, be prepared to kiss your gadgets goodbye. With no electricity and CP and data signal, the best form of entertainment you have is the beach.

Photo Credit: www.islandsofthephilippines.com

2. Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley

Declared as a National Marine Reserve since 1994, Palaui Island is largely uninhabited save for a small fishing community. It boasts an amazing coastline and abundant marine life and wildlife.

Photo Credit: www.tripadvisor.com.ph

3. Malcapuya Island, Coron, Palawan

If you’re heading to Coron, my advice is to save a day or two for island hopping. Laze on its off coast white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and awesome snorkelling spots with virtually zero or just a handful of people around.

Photo Credit: www.nomadicexperiences.com

4. Apo Reef, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Lush mangrove forest, a stunning lighthouse, white sand beach, and beautiful rock formations are just some of what Apo Reef can offer. You can also swim with sharks, green sea turtles, and diverse bright-colored fishes and corals.

Photo Credit: www.travel.wikinut.com

5. Puraran Beach, Catanduanes

Located on the easternmost fringe of Luzon, Puraran beach have been famous as a surfer’s haven. The place lacks modern amenities so there’s no choice but to unplug and unwind through its great waves, thick jungles, and pristine waters.

Photo Credit: www.rappler.com

6. Kagusuan Beach, Siquijor

Do you want a quiet retreat? Try going to the hidden paradise of Kagusuan beach. This beach is tucked securely away from many tourists so you might find yourself enjoying the beach without any distractions.

Photo Credit: www.backpackingpilipinas.com

7. Subic Beach, Sorsogon

Another beach worth visiting is Subic Beach, about 30-45 minutes boat ride from Matnog. An overnight camp near its pink sand beach under a starry night is definitely a treat to indulge in summer.

Photo Credit: www.backpackingpilipinas.com

8. Dahican Beach, Davao Oriental

Known as the skim boarding capital, Dahican is also famous as being a haven for the endangered sea turtle. There are protected areas on the beach set aside for them to lay their eggs.

Do you know other unspoiled beaches here in the Philippines? Please feel free to comment below and share them with us.

Top Cellphone Models to Lure People This 2015

Photo credit: samsung.com

Rapid growth in modern technology is a proof that the world really goes high-tech each day. Apparently, people can’t help but to wait for the latest trends that keep on coming and affect daily living.

In recent times, cellphone has become one of the necessities that help humans fulfill activities or even survive a day. But using this gadget always comes with a surprise. This is because tech firms selling electronic products strive to improve the current models. Further, phone brands seem like mushrooms that continue to exist and come out to meet the growing demand of people. As a result, both aficionados and regular Joes are all left waiting for new products and shocked upon seeing their specs.

Are you one of the many techy people who are eager to see the latest phone models this 2015?

Latest Models

There is a stiff race among electronics companies and phone makers. In a pursuit to dominate the market, these firms launch new phones at least once each year.

Here’s a list of what you can expect to see now or in the coming weeks or months:

• Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge

These models were unveiled on March 1st and are set to be released on selected countries on April 10th. These sister phones have many similar specs with only a bit difference on battery, weight, and color of unit. Both do not have memory card slot.

• HTC One M9

This third-generation One model has similarities with One M8 but it features a much narrower and thicker frame. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and boasts its 20-megapixel rear camera.

While these two manufacturers announced the phone’s official release in the market, some others remain mum leaving aficionados speculating about their latest offers.

Below are other phone models we all expect to see before 2015 ends:

• Microsoft Lumia 940
• Apple’s iPhone 6S / 7
• Sony Xperia Z4
• LG G4
• Samsung Galaxy A7
• Nexus 7
• Huawei Ascend P8
• Asus ZenFone 2
• Google “Project Ara”
• Moto X+2
• Xiaomi Mi Note

Which one attracts you the most? Which one best suits your lifestyle?

(Note: The writer does not aim to preempt any impending release of these phone models nor promote these brands. The second list is a consolidation of predictions and rumors among phone fanatics across the Net, thus, these may or may not be released in the market and the name model may change.)

Korean Pop Music Invasion: How K-Pop Is Becoming a Worldwide Hit

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Does “K-Pop” ring a bell? For those who are not familiar with this term, K-Pop or Korean Popular Music is a mixture of trendy Western music and high-energy Japanese Popular Music (J-Pop). It preys on listeners' heads with repeated hooks, sometimes in English. It embraces genre fusion with both singing and rap, and highlights acts and strong visuals. But have you ever thought how these Korean songs are able to invade the music charts of other countries? Here are their secret formulas:

Versatile Music and Artists

Even from the start, the Korean record labels aim for the global market. They hire foreign composers, choreographers, and stylists and require their trainees to learn foreign languages. Most of the songs also include English lyrics and is translated to various languages like Japanese to capture the attention of other countries.

In order to invade foreign markets, the bands often include multi-language members like CL (fluent in English, French, and Japanese) and Dara (fluent in Filipino) of 2ne1. They also include non-Korean members who are accustomed to the local language and culture. One of the most famous examples is Nichkhun of 2PM. He is born in Southern California to a Thai-Chinese family and is fluent in English, Thai, and Mandarin.

Social Media

Social networking services (SNS) such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter have proven to be very effective for idols to gain fame overseas. They use SNS to promote their songs, connect with their fans, and appear more approachable by sharing pictures and footage from their private lives. One great example is the Gangnam Style of PSY. Garnering more than 2 Billion views in YouTube, he effortlessly invaded foreign music charts.

Collaboration with Foreign Artists

With the goal to penetrate foreign music charts, Korea’s Big 3 (YG, SM, and JYP) have made their artist collaborate with the big names in the music industry. Like will.i.am’s collaboration with 2NE1, Akon to Wonder Girls, Diplo to BigBang, and Teddy Riley to SNSD.

Star Value

K-Pop is also considered a visual industry. Aside from promoting in radio shows, idols prefer to make their debuts in TV and live shows highlighting their star value. This includes the face value, dance routine, fashion sense, and singing talent.

Do you want to know more about K-Pop? Suggest your topics and I’ll do my best to give you an amazing article.

MERS-CoV: What People Should Know about It

Photo credit: cdc.gov

People today face much greater challenge in maintaining good health compared to their counterparts a few decades back. This is for a fact that new strains of diseases continue to exist while other known ailments remain incurable. Further, some viruses are believed to have evolved into something worse, which affect the human body and ruin it within a short span of time. Thus, it is important that people be aware of these illnesses and learn how to prevent or treat them.

One of the new threats to human health is the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (or MERS-CoV), a viral illness that originated in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

Know More about It

As of today, the cause of MERS-CoV has yet to be discovered. Some research suggest that it may have come from bats and was transferred to humans. But one thing is for sure: this virus is deadly. In fact, one-third of the total number of patients who fell ill due to MERS-CoV died.

Below are some interesting facts about this viral illness and some helpful information to educate and guide people:

• Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of MERS-CoV are so common that they are often mistaken for some other mild and common ailments. People who acquired the disease developed severe acute respiratory illness, which included cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Who Are at Risk?

According to health experts, people who may be at increased risk of developing MERS-CoV include (1) travelers who go to and have gone from the Arabian Peninsula; (2) healthcare staff who do not use safety gear while taking care of the infected patient; (3) people who have close contact with either confirmed case of MERS or ill traveler from the infected region; and (4) people who are exposed to camels.

• Treatment

If you feel you or someone shows the symptoms of MERS-CoV or is suspected of having it, do not self-medicate at home. While there is no known vaccine to cure the infection, it is still better to seek medical care.

• Recent Data

After the first case was reported a few years ago, the virus has since spread to some other countries in different continents. It has reached Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, France, Greece, Egypt, UK, the Philippines, and US, among others. Cases outside the Arabian Peninsula are reported by those who recently traveled there.

• Prevention Tips

Anyone can reduce the risk of acquiring the infection by doing good health routines and hygiene practices.

Let us all unite to fight all kinds of virus to stay healthy.

Top Things to Put in Your Bucket List This 2015

         Image from stemjobs.com

What’s good about bucket list? It drives you to do your best to achieve it.  This is a crazy thing for some. They thought that it is a near-death task. But it shouldn’t be that way. The list simply highlights what you want for your whole life.

Are you waiting for your golden years before making one? Or will you kick off the year listing things you have not done in life yet? If yes, what would be yours?

Here are ideas that can help you create your own list.

1. Fill up spaces. Your busy life restraint you from spending time with people who have touched and supported you. They could be your parents, children, spouses, or friends. You may want to start out listing weekly events with them. Let them know how much they mean to you. Give them time to show your gratitude. 

2. Travel lists. Of course, places you love to go. Who does not want to explore the world? You want to go to Hawaii, Hollywood, Disneyland, or London. See the Seven Wonders of the World, or go on a cruise. You should look forward to these places and strive to get there.

3. Engineer happiness. This is doing what makes you happy. Begin by asking yourself, “Where will I find happiness?” Will you find it in pampering yourself, having a successful career, being involved in helping the poor, having a pet, or relationship? You may engage in sports and start a healthy diet.

4. Be a one-time superhero. This doesn’t mean that you have to fly. In one case, you could. Do skydiving or paragliding. But this is about doing a worthwhile cause for other people. Do charity. You may volunteer in institutions that help the needy people. You don’t need superpowers to do this. Just share your time, effort, or money to lessen the burdens of those in-needs.

5. Be closer to God. Keep your faith strong. Set a fix time reading the bible. Get inspirations from books with Godly words.

To sum up, the list deals with three things: things to do, places to see, and things to fulfill. This could be different from others because of dissimilar experiences and choices. Would you believe that some even create a personal blog site to post their bucket lists and show their achievement. This is a serious task.

Top Must-Read Filipino Books for Bookworms This 2015

Do you love reading books? Enrich your knowledge and entertain yourself at the same time with this list of books from our talented Filipino authors.

1. “Stupid is Forever” – Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago

This book is a collection of jokes, one-liners, pick-up lines, comebacks, and speeches delivered and/or curated by the beloved Senator of the youth.

2. “Dear Alex, Break Na Kami, Paano?! Love Catherine” – Alex Gonzaga

This book is for the singles, single again, single by choice, and can’t accept that they are single. This breakup survival guide will help you let go, move on, and love yourself.

3. “Paano Ba To?! How to Survive Growing Up” – Bianca Gonzalez

The author shares her personal life lessons, as well insights from friends and experts, on how to deal with life’s dilemmas. It is a growing up guide for every young Filipina in this crazy, yet wonderful world.

4. “Help!!! Ayoko Na Sa Syota Ko!” – Ramon Bautista

Whether you are the one leaving or the one who was left behind, this book will help you get through the hardships of break up.

5. “Make Your Nanay Proud” – Boy Abunda

This book is named after Abunda’s foundation and includes his curated anecdotes and reflections from well-known personalities. They shared how their mothers helped them get to where they are today.

 

6. “Lovestruck: Sakit Edition” – Ronald Molmisa

Sakit Edition is the fourth instalment of Lovestruck Series. This book will help you how to deal with break ups and relationship problems.

7. “Kontento Ka Na Ba Sa Pagpapalaki Ng Anak Mo?” – Vic and Avelynn Garcia

This book will is a parenting guide that will help you deal, manage, and respond to common strategies children use to outwit their parents.

8. “Help! I’m a Bagaholic” – Carmencita Sioson and Stefanie Cabal

This mini book is for men and women who love bags. It profiles bag connoisseurs and their bags, the most desired iconic bags, and tips on how to care for them.

9. “Captivating, Communication: The Art and Science of Communication” – Carelle Mangaliag

This book will teach readers the art and science of High Impact Communication, using principles applied in theatre, comedy, and the science of human behavior.

Book Cover Credits: 

www.nationalbookstore.com.ph

www.chapters.indigo.ca

www.lifestyle.inquirer.net

www.omflit.com

www.philstar.com

Five Ways to Have Better Instagram Pictures

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Instagram has reached a huge milestone, and you backed it up, right? You are among the 300 million plus active users that uploads photos daily.

Instagram was the first easy-to-use photo sharing app. Every photo lover, even the amateur ones, can use it to take and share pictures. It has photo filters and editing tools to produce good output. Yet, it is rare to find well-crafted, expressive, and soul-full images.

Do you want to share better pictures? Dogs, cats, and foods you shoot at will have more sophistication if you know how to take picture like a pro. 

Be a photo geek and improve your images with these five photography tips:

1. The blue and golden hour counts. Photo enthusiasts use natural lighting to create a dramatic effect. One trick is to shoot during the day’s first or last hour. As the sun sets, it creates warm golden glow and gentle shadows. This creates a deep impact everyone love to see. Moreover, smartphones often fail to work well with the harsh midday sun and strong backlight. These lightings will just spoil your pictures.

2. Focus on composition. Instagram’s square photos have become the standard of mobile photography. Your subject is right in the center. But you have to use this with caution since photos in square format may not be appealing. It is effective when you keep it proportion. In addition, your subject must be strong enough to grab viewer’s attention. You may also apply the rule of thirds to have a dynamic image.

3. Keep them simple and creative. Even Steve Jobs said that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. So move away from crowded and messy photos. For sure, it will strain viewers' eyes.  Yet, keep your creative flair. Expand your horizons and enhance the presentation. If you are going to take a picture of a food, try to mix up other things. Include some colorful flowers or fruits on the side, but do not overdo it.

4. Capture a great scene. The art of photography lies in waiting and capturing happy moments. Thus, spent time to plan what you are going to shoot. Scout good locations such as parks, fields, and bays. Find interesting subjects with nice background or foreground elements. Then, be observant on things that give good concepts for your photo shoot.

5. Break old habits.  Have better perspective and close-range shots. You often shoot at standing eye-level, right? Instead, try to shoot at different angles. Various viewpoints produce unalike moods or messages. Aside from this, a closer shot creates depth. Your smartphone can shoot 3 to 6 inches close to your subject. The nearest thing is in focus while blurring the background. This creates a good effect on your photos.